Christian Eriksen: scout report

Style, Strengths and Weaknesses

As said, Christian Eriksen has always been compared to Danish legend Michael Laudrup. He sure has comparisons with the current Swansea manager. Eriksen is a joy to watch, he has a fluidity and style in his actions combined with superb technical ability. Physically he’s light but he compensates for this with his speed, technique and excellent positioning. The Ajax number 8 has a good right foot, crosses the ball well and can play decisive passes that can open up a defence. For someone who’s only 21 years old, he has a remarkable insight and vision of the game. His actions look simple due to his instinctive natural qualities.

Eriksen possesses a brilliant sense of timing on the ball, and he can bring those around him into the game very well. Moreover, his attacking strengths make him a very potent weapon in the middle of the field.

Someone asked him back in 2010 once what his dream is. Christian’s answer: ‘winning the championship with Ajax’. He didn’t mention his dream club, winning the Champions League or winning the World Cup. Despite interest from other clubs, he showed his commitment to the club to lengthen his deal to 2014. He has said that only when he has fully learned his trade and become a top player at Ajax then maybe he will consider moving abroad. The question is: has he?

It’s for sure that Eriksen has improved himself in the five seasons he’s been playing for Ajax but there’s one thing that remains: his lack of goalscoring prowess. Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder, to whom he has been compared during his days at Ajax, were two players who started banging in goals after being settled in Ajax’s first team. Despite that, he’s been involved in most goals under Frank de Boer. He was involved in most goals in both the Eredivisie (10 goals and 13 assists) and Champions League (1 goals, six assists) last season.

Another criticism that Eriksen has received is that he only steps up in the so called big games against Holland’s top clubs and Champions League sides. Of course it’s easier to motivate yourself for those games but if you want to become a top player you should also be decisive against the ‘smaller’ clubs. Eriksen knows that’s something he has to improve on and since the winter break he’s been doing so.

Another factor that might work against him is the fact he is a bit lightweight. Being 5 foot 9 and 71 kilograms it means Eriksen isn’t the strongest physically. He won’t win you challenges but his excellent technique and positioning compensates for the lack of physical strength.

Quotes

“He’s a player I really like with all my heart. The talent is there, the recognition also; now it is up to the player himself. He is a typical product of the Danish school. You can compare him with Brian and Michael Laudrup. Only time will tell if Eriksen can reach the same level as them.”

— Johan Cruyff, Dutch football legend, via ESPNFC.com

“He’s a good player – a typical Ajax player who is good on the ball – but we already knew that.”

—Sir Alex Ferguson, ex-Manchester United manager, quoted by ESPNFC.com (via TV3+)

Transfer Situation

I feel he could do with another season in the Eredivisie but that seems unlikely. Ajax coach Frank de Boer said he doesn’t gain more hope Eriksen will stay for another season because there seems to be a lack of interest. On the other hand, turning down Manchester City (last year), Zenit St. Petersburg (January) and Bayer Leverkusen means he won’t leave Ajax for any club. The 21-year-old doesn’t care about money. Only one criteria counts: sporting reasons.

If Eriksen won’t find his ‘dream club’ this summer, he’ll sign a contract extension at Ajax. He has reached a verbal agreement with Ajax over this. There is no urgent need for him to leave Ajax and Amsterdam. He’ll happily stay for another season.

He’ll only stay and renew his contract if there won’t be a club interested in him which he’d like to join. Right now, Liverpool look favourites to sign the young Dane. It would be a side he would consider to join. His coach Frank de Boer would advise Eriksen not to join the English side. “If they play as they do now, I wouldn’t go”, De Boer said. “The playing style would not suit his own. But ultimately, it is for Chris himself to decide.”